Independent Medical Exams and Your Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured by a negligent or reckless driver and are pursuing monetary compensation, such as by hiring a auto accident attorney to file a lawsuit on your behalf, the insurance company will likely require that you take an ‘independent medical examination, or IME. While allegedly ‘independent’, IMEs are conducted by doctors who regularly work for the insurance company and want to keep their lucrative contracts. This often means that their reports to the insurance company can minimize the extent of your injuries. There several things an aggressive personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can do and say during negotiations with the adjuster to counter the bad report.

The request for an independent medical examination by the insurance company often makes an individual nervous, but your injury attorney will explain to you in detail what the exam entails and what you can expect. First, know that the doctor is not on your side — it is essentially the his job to undermine your injuries so that the opposing party does not have to pay as much in damages.

During an Independent Medical Exam, you have the right to:

Say no to an invasive test or blood draw

Bring a friend for moral support

Refuse an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI

Be given a gown to wear during the exam

Not volunteer extra information

Be treated respectfully

Not sign anything the doctor gives you

Ask for a copy of the report

Take a break to call your personal injury attorney at any point during the exam

This list is non-exhaustive. Discuss your rights and comfort level with your attorney before heading into the exam.

Your responsibilities during the exam include:

Honesty

Answering only questions asked

Respecting the attorney client privilege and not sharing what you have discussed with your lawyer with the doctor

Not discussing liability, or who was at fault and how much

For more information on the role you play in an IME, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles.

Know that in many instances, the insurance company is not on your side — even if it is your own insurance provider! To ensure that you receive the financial damages you deserve and that your legal rights are protected, hire a successful lawyer in Los Angeles to fight on your behalf.

You have know idea how happy you have made me and Travis. I am so happy this is over and I can move on with my life! Thank you for all you have done for me and my family.

Kellie and Travis

“I am so glad for the speedy result!”

While it is very little, it is the most that could be done. Great job, Bradley! We very much appreciate the fact that you agreed to take this case for the family in light of the recovery.

Sharon

“Thank you Brad!”

We greatly appreciate all that you have done to help bring this matter to a close. As you said, it is bittersweet, but I think the struggle has brought some measure of peace to our family.
Thank you Brad for all that you have done.